Sinn Féin needs to “measure up” to what former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness had done and set aside differences in the greater interests of the peoples of Northern Ireland, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said.
Mr Kenny’s remarks came as Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald called on the Government to redouble its efforts in the discussions on the formation of a new Northern Ireland Executive, to implement the agreements she said Mr McGuinness worked to achieve.
The Dáil observed a minute’s silence in memory of the former deputy first minister who died early on Tuesday from a rare health condition.
Ms McDonald, who became emotional as she paid tribute to Mr McGuinness, said that above anything else Mr McGuinness was a proud Derry man. “There is no doubt that his childhood and young life in the Bogside formed him, shaped him, defined his character.”
In later years, she said, he would show that same courage again and again as chief negotiator on behalf of Sinn Féin in crafting and delivering the Belfast Agreement.
Functioning executive
She asked the Taoiseach to reiterate remarks that direct rule was not an option, but Mr Kenny said the priority was for those “who are elected to the Assembly to accept their responsibility to put together a functioning executive”.
He said Sinn Féin needed to measure up to Mr McGuinness’s achievements and put aside differences for the greater interest of the North’s people.
Mr McGuinness would always be remembered for the remarkable political journey which he undertook in his lifetime, added the Taoiseach.
He said Mr McGuinness became a peacemaker and moved from terror to truce and through peace to government. “In my dealings with him he was always both generous and courteous and committed to the democratic way of achieving peace.”
The Taoiseach said “the Sinn Féin party now needed to measure up to what Martin McGuinness did and be able to put aside differences in the greater interests of the peoples of Northern Ireland in respect of the objectives they wish to pursue”.
Legacy
Fianna Fáil finance spokesman Michael McGrath said he had managed to convert many hardened IRA members to peace and politics.
“This will be a very significant part of his legacy,” he said.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said he had observed Mr McGuinness’s warmth and steely determination. He was somebody who had gone from being at the centre of the troubles to be at the very centre of solutions, he added.
Labour leader Brendan Howlin said the role played by Mr McGuinness in bringing peace and reconciliation to the island would never be forgotten.
“He did not do so alone, but his was an important role,” he added.
